FRIENDS OF THE CORTE MADERA LIBRARY

Minutes of April 9, 2003 Meeting

 

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Annette Schriebman at 10:03 a.m. in the library.  Present:  Annette Schriebman, Harry Schriebman, Jerri Ceschi, Nancy Davis, Sue Bigall, Richard Jensen, Kay Lowney, and Nancy Brooks. 

  1. No introductions were needed.
  2. The minutes of the March 12, 2003 meeting were approved as presented.
  3. Additions to the agenda:  There were no additions to the agenda.

 

A.  Friends Reading Garden   Annette announced that the two ceramic plaques will be installed next month.  The listing of other donors done in calligraphy has been framed and hung just inside the front door in the Library.  In response to queries about the trees in the garden, Annette said two are honey locust and two are flowering cherry.  It is great to see people enjoying the garden while waiting to get into the library.

 

Children’s chairs for the garden:  While they were at a Park and Recreation seminar in San Jose last month, Annette and Harry saw samples of durastone turtles that are used in gardens for children’s seating but they were too large for our garden.  The Committee will continue to search for suitable children’s chairs.

 

B.     Reports/Updates

1.      County Reports:  Book Sale - Nancy Brooks referred to the thank you letter from Ruth Arnold which all sale volunteers should have received.  The gross dollar amount is actually less than what Ruth stated in her letter.  Nancy suggested that any volunteers who have feedback on the sale should plan to attend the followup meeting on April 12 at noon (after the County Friends meeting) in the Corte Madera Library.

 

The Annual. Meeting is scheduled for June 8; speaker not known at this time.  It was M/s/c that our Treasury pay for Jan Shaw and Nancy Brooks to attend the Annual Meeting.

 

New Book Store – Nancy B reported that she had spent a few hours at the new shop on Monday.  Most of the shelving had been installed and the books arrived that morning.  There are definite spaces/rooms for sorting, for the better books (Janet’s area) and for children’s books.  There is a roll up door in the rear of the store, parking lot in the rear, and an entry door off the parking lot as well as double front doors.  Nancy will get more information at Saturday’s Friends’ meeting.

 

2.      Treasurer – Jerri Ceschi presented the financial report for the month of March.  $600 was moved into restricted funds for Children’s and Teens programs.  There were 3 membership renewals and a $250 donation from Bank of Marin.  Expenses of $1,598.25 included $534.78 for new computer keyboard trays.  The working capital as of 3/31/03 is $8,074.59 and reserves are $16,109.63.

 

3.      Membership:  Richard Jensen reported 7 renewals in April.  He is planning a mailing in May with suggestions to refer a friend to us or give a gift membership to a friend.  He will include information regarding the new book shop.  He will mention that the Friends are planning to refurbish the meeting room and he will list all the past projects funded by the Friends.  After discussion, it was decided to reserve the display cabinet for the Friends in September 2004, near the time of our Annual Meeting.

 

4.      Used Book Shop:  Sue Bigall wants experienced volunteers to work our two days in May, the 1st and the 29th.  One of our new members has indicated interest in staffing the but Sue has not talked to her yet.

 

5.      Branch Activities:  Nancy Davis reported:  (1) The programs on Islam were well attended and she thanked those who helped set up the room for the programs.  (2) This week is Naional Library Week.  Damon Hill will be teaching two classes today on the use of the new library database. (3) Nancy is expecting to receive a packet of information regarding new chairs for the meeting room.  Annette asked if there was any way to see and test samples of the chairs; Nancy D. will investigate.  (4)  There is a new website which includes a site for the California Room.  Some of the oral histories are available with brief sound clips and there are photo archives.  (5) Some of the Library staff have developed a Precision Book Cart Drill Team which will participate in local parades and festivals including the Twin Cities July 4th Parade.  Nancy asked for volunteers to walk in the parade and to help carry the Library’s banner.  (6) The keyboard trays have been installed and seem to be appreciated by patrons.  A sign indicates that the trays are a gift of the Friends of the Corte Madera Library.  (7) New parking lot: the Corte Madera Town Council approved the additional money needed for the new parking lot.  If approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 15, the bid can be awarded within a month or so after April 15.  (8)  Email addresses can be used for a branch or Friends newsletter.  Nancy will get the list of addresses from Technical Services. (9)  Jan has volunteered to provide refreshments for poetry night on April 21.  Does anyone want to help her?

 

C.     The Friends/Staff luncheon is set for 12 noon on Wednesday May 14 after our regular meeting.  Nancy B. volunteered to organize and set up the salad luncheon.  Richard and Harry volunteered for clean up.  Sue Bigall will work with Nancy in inviting the book shop staffers who do not normally attend our meetings.

 

D.    Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2003 at 10 a.m. in the Library.  Luncheon with staff will follow at 12:00 noon.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Nancy Brooks, Secretary

 

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